DC Rising - Best Week in DC Sports History?

Now before I start, let's go ahead and throw out all the championships in DC sports history. Most people would argue a championship trumps overall good play in the postseason, regardless of how many teams were playing well. Yet for a city without a championship in one of the four major sports in 24 years, all four of DC's major franchises seem to be trending upwards. This past week could very possibly have been the best week in DC Sports History. It's definitely been the best in recent memory.

Washington Redskins

Let's start with the DC franchise most recently mired in mediocrity, and that's putting it nicely. This weekend saw new general manager Scot McCloughan stick to his draft board, draft players with toughness and an edge, and pick up extra selections. It'll take a few years to see how this draft turns out, but it has the chance to be a real "meat and potatoes" draft for a team that really needed it. In the upper half of the draft, McCloughan took players who can help immediately set the tone in the trenches. In the latter half, players who should immediately help on special teams. Fixing a deficient offensive line was a top priority, one that McCloughan did early and often. With a proven track record in evaluating talent, McCloughan has Washington on the right track. 

Washington Nationals

Max Scherzer, acquired this offseason, looked excellent Friday night

After losing four straight games on a ten game road trip, the Washington Nationals started the week with a 13-12, come from behind win over division rival Atlanta, after trailing 9-1 in the second inning. The following two nights produced a 13-4 clobbering of the Braves, and 8-2 win over the New York Mets. Despite a 4-0 loss on Friday night, Max Scherzer pitched like the ace the Nationals shelled out $210 million to acquire. Washington would cap off the week with back-to-back 1-0 wins, on the backs of two sensational pitching performances. Despite early troubles, the Nats are on the right track after taking two consecutive series from division rivals on the road. 

Washington Capitals

Capitals celebrate Joel Ward's buzzer-beater goal

The Capitals started the week with a game 7 and series win over the New York Islanders. Washington, who has struggled in game 7's recently, is making a strong bid in this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs. Thursday night saw an improbable Game 1 win over the Eastern Conference's top-seeded New York Rangers. Joel Ward's goal with 1.2 seconds to go is one of the greatest moments in franchise history in the past several years. Despite a loss Saturday night, the Capitals have still stolen home ice. 

Otto Porter Jr (22) has played huge for
the Wizards in the 2015 postseason

Washington Wizards

Sunday night saw the Wizards dismantle a Toronto Raptors squad whose confidence had been destroyed, leading to Washington's first sweep of a seven game postseason series in franchise history. Game four saw a broken Raptors squad that appeared shell-shocked after a game three shellacking. After a full week of rest, the Wizards took on, and defeated the East's top seeded Atlanta Hawks. The Wiz are the hottest team in the East. They contained the Hawk's transition game, and forced them to play a half-court game in which they shot 37.8% from the floor. The playoff format should allow ample rest for banged-up, star guards Bradley Beal and John Wall after game 2. If the Wizards continue their excellent play in the postseason, they could find themselves in the Conference Finals, and even the NBA Finals. 

6 Targets for Washington at 38

With the first round of the NFL Draft in the books, Washington's first pick, Brandon Scherff from Iowa, is starting to look a lot better. The reason being? Not only does Scherff fill a need and bring a level of toughness Scot McCloughan has been looking for, but the available talent in the second round should allow Washington to come away with two very good players. Washington picks 6th in the 2nd round, 38th overall. Here's a look at six prospects that they could target, at least one of which will be available by the time they pick.

Jaelen Stong, WR - Arizona State

A big bodied receiver standing at 6 feet 2.5 inches and weighing in at 217 pounds, Strong possesses the 4.4 speed that teams covet in a wide receiver. Projected as a first round pick, Strong fell out of the first round, most likely due to injury concerns about his wrist. Regardless, Strong is a big play receiver who would help complement Desean Jackson on the outside and give Washington some extra size at the wide receiver position. With Pierre Garcon's future in Washington in doubt after this year, adding to the wide receiving corps would be prudent, particularly if a prospect like Strong is available. 

T.J Clemmings, OT - Pittsburgh

Clemmings is seen by some as one of the better left tackle prospects in this draft. Though he would probably start at the right tackle spot, Clemmings would offer great competition for the starting spot and allow Brandon Scherff to be played at left guard. Clemmings would potentially be a reach, depending on the other players still on the board, but if Washington has him rated highly enough, don't be surprised if they pick offensive lineman with their first two picks.

Jalen Collins, DB - LSU

Collins has the size and speed NFL teams covet at the cornerback position standing at 6 foot 1 and weighing 203 pounds with a 4.48 40 time. McCloughan is known to like defensive backs who stand taller than 6 feet. Collins fell primarily due to injury concerns, but he would add depth and talent to a secondary that was one of the worst in football last season.

Randy Gregory, OLB - Nebraska

Randy Gregory (44) offers incredible value in the 2nd round

The off the field issues for Gregory have been well publicized, and his fall has not been unexpected, expect perhaps in degree. Gregory is one of the premier pass-rushers in this year's draft, and was projected as a top-10 pick early in the draft process. If Gregory slides to 38, Washington could find themselves with perhaps the best pure pass-rusher, while having already acquired a great offensive line talent in the first round. Despite his off-field issues, Gregory offers incredible value at 38.

Eli Harold, OLB - Virginia

Harold is one of the top prospects as an outside linebacker in this years draft. He doesn't offer the same punch as a pass-rusher as Randy Gregory, but is further along in terms of being able to drop back into coverage. Regardless, Washington should be able to allow him to develop even more in that regard with Trent Murphy filling the OLB role on first and second down. Harold's all around game may even put him above Gregory on Washington's board, especially given the latter's off the field concerns.

Landon Collins, S - Alabama

Landon Collins (26) wears the number of his idol,
the late Washington star safety Sean Taylor

Collins was seen by many to be a middle-first round pick, albeit in a very weak safety class. Damarious Randall, from Arizona State leap-frogged him last night, probably due to concerns over Collins' ability in coverage. Regardless, Collins possesses excellent speed, running a 4.53 40, and has size to boot. He plays best in the box, which may preclude him from being selected by Washington, who prefer their safeties to be able to play either role. It's hard to see where he fits with the additions of Dashon Goldson and Jeron Johnson, but with Johnson's ability to play the free safety position, if they have him rated high enough he could be their guy at 38. How great would it be to see a player who idolized the late Sean Taylor play for the Burgundy and Gold on Sundays?